1.Kurmi Community Scheduled Tribe Demand (Scheduled Tribe Status)

What & Where
Agrarian Kurmi/Kudmi community, presently OBC, now agitating for Scheduled Tribe tag and Sarna religion recognition.
Core belts: Junglemahal (WB), Chotanagpur (Jharkhand), Mayurbhanj zone (Odisha); smaller pockets in Purnia-Katihar-Araria (Bihar).
Also seek constitutional listing of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule.
Quick Facts for MCQs
Historical Status
- 1931-Census: Enumerated as Scheduled Tribe across British provinces.
- 1950-ST list: Name dropped without specific notification.
- Gazette-Evidence: Bengal notices noted distinct inheritance customs, tribal traits.
Legal & Policy
- OBC-Tag: Listed under Central/state OBC; land rights governed by CNT Act 1908.
- ST-Criteria: Cites geographic isolation, totemic culture, endogamy to justify re-inclusion.
- Language-Push: Kurmali inclusion in Eighth Schedule, alongside Sarna faith codification.
Freedom Struggle Role
- Chuar-Rebellion: Led village resistance; figurehead Raghunath Mahato.
- Indigo & Santhal uprisings: Kudmi peasants formed core fighting base.
- Quit-India 1942: Leaders like Gopal Mahato organised Chotanagpur actions.
Key Data Points
| Feature | Data-Point |
|---|---|
| 1931 classification | Scheduled Tribe (Census) |
| Post-1950 status | OBC in most states |
| British Gazette years | 1913, 1931 “Notified Tribe” |
| Main religion | Sarna nature-worship |
| Legislation tag | Chotanagpur Tenancy Act 1908 |
| Primary occupation | Farming/market gardening |
| Key agitation demand | ST status + Kurmali in 8th Schedule |
| Core states | WB, Jharkhand, Odisha |





